Record number of illegal firearms seized in China

In a nation where private gun ownership is banned, the seizure of over 10,000 firearms in the hands of a single criminal ring has surprised many. 120,000 banned knives were also seized.

Just a few of the thousands of knives seized in the police raid in China.

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The seizure took place in the province of Guizhou after a four-month investigation that began after an armed robbery suspect tipped off the government. Government officials say the network has been responsible for supplying organized crime elements, dissidents, and terrorists throughout the country.

The weapons seized ranged from fully-automatic Type 56 rifles to semi-automatic pistols. Precision rifles, shotguns, crossbows, and samurai swords were also seized along with knives that exceeded government approved measurements.

Type 56 rifles. The weapon is a Chinese manufactured clone of the Soviet made AK-47.

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15 people were arrested on charges of making and distributing firearms. The network was allegedly a family-run enterprise. Chinese officials say the network was so bold that they distributed business cards all over the country, and call the seizure the largest ever of its kind.